EXPLORING THE BARRIERS OF SINLGE MOTHER STUDENTS PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION AT POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE OF BOTOLAN; THE BASIS INTERVENTION PLAN

Author Name: 1. Edlyn D. Dollete, 2. Jane Tiburcio, 3. Maegan Ebreo Cudal

Volume/Issue: 06/05

Country: Philippines

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2025-97318839/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Licensed Professional Teacher- Philippines
2. Licensed Professional Teacher- Philippines
3. Licensed Professional Teacher- Philippines.

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this study was to examine the challenges faced by single-mother students pursuing higher education, as well as the strategies they employ to manage these challenges. The participants in this research were ten (10) single mothers enrolled under the Institute of Computing Studies and Institute of Education at the Polytechnic College of Botolan during the Academic Year 2023-2024. A structured interview approach was employed to elicit responses from the selected respondents. These data were then subjected to thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes within the respondents' narratives. The findings revealed that single mothers pursuing education face numerous experiences, including time management, discrimination, the inherent challenges of college, motivational and inspirational difficulties, support system issues, financial struggles, working student dilemmas, and emotional strain. They also encounter various challenges on their educational journey, such as financial challenges, balancing responsibilities, health and childcare, emotional struggles, time constraints, and discrimination and decision-making. These single mothers overcome the barriers through their support systems, which are parental assistance, self-reliance, and educational assistance. An intervention plan was proposed to help student mothers address these challenges. This intervention aims to provide essential resources and assistance required to effectively manage their academic obligations alongside their parental duties, thereby enabling them to navigate the obstacles they encounter during their pursuit of higher education.

Key words: Single-mother students, higher education, thematic analysis, Polytechnic College of Botolan